﻿REACH High School Class Descriptions (generally grades 9-12)*For all Middle school and High school science classes, see bottom of the page for more information. This year we are focusing on ancient literature, history and writing on all levels.High School Writing~ Jamie AndersonThis is a two-semester class; students may take one or both semesters. Students are encouraged to also study Fix-It Grammar, as Mrs. Anderson will lead students through book 4, where students will find and fix grammar errors in Hans Christian Anderson’s classic tale, Little Mermaid (not the Disney-ized version and not just for girls.) Students will need to purchase the $15 spiral bound book from IEW ISBN: ﻿978-1-62341-176-3Third Edition, April 2014﻿HWS -- The first semester will be spent learning creative fiction writing, using the Institute for Excellence in Writing’s “How to Write a Story” guide. The book was authored by Lee Roddy, a master storyteller and author of the “Grizzly Adams” book series. Students will complete exercises for each stage of story construction: getting ideas, developing effective plots, creating realistic scenes, and characterization. Students will need to purchase the spiral bound “How to Write a Story” book from IEW, for $29. ISBN: 978-0-9779860-3-3 Copyright: 2003HEI -- The second semester will be spent helping students fine-tune their essay writing skills as they learn about prompt-based essay writing (SAT and ACT) and the college application essay. After working through the 6-session HEI DVD students will continue to practice timed essays throughout the rest of the semester. Incremental practice works well to build quick-thinking skills and rhetorical confidence in students. Students will be ready for the ACT or SAT tests in the spring. Lab fee: $5Credit: 1 English credit when combined with literatureChemistry~ Phil TomellOpportunity to learn using Exploring Creation with Chemistry 2nd Edition by Dr. Jay Wile. Labs and tests will be reviewed in class. Homework before class includes reading, On Your Own problems, Review Questions, Practice problems, Experimental observations. This course is designed to be a first-year high school chemistry course and gives the student a rigorous foundation in chemistry, in order to prepare him or her for a college-level course. The course covers significant figures, units, classification, the mole concept, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, acids and bases, redox reactions, solutions, atomic structure, Lewis structures, molecular geometry, the gas laws, and equilibrium. Students who take and understand this course will be very well-prepared for a tough university chemistry course. Prerequisite – Algebra 1.Lab fee: $15Credit: 1 Science CreditPhysics~ Christine FilipekThis college-prep physics course is designed for the student who has completed algebra and has had an introduction to the definitions of sine, cosine, and tangent. It provides a detailed introduction to the methods and concepts of general physics. Heavily emphasizing vector analysis, this text is ideal preparation for a university-level physics course. It provides the student with a strong background in one-dimensional and two-dimensional motion, Newton's laws and their application, gravity, work and energy, momentum, periodic motion, waves, optics, electrostatics, electrodynamics, electrical circuits, and magnetism. Must have taken Algebra I, Geometry and know basic Trigonometry.Lab fee: $15Credit: 1 Science Credit

Ancient History~ Christine FilipekIn this course, we will study Ancient history, from the
beginning of time continuing into the early Middle Ages.Weekly
homework will include textbook reading, note-taking, and outside research.
Students will read several historical novels, poems, and essays to help them
better understand the time period. Additional reading may be done for extra
credit.Although not required, students taking this
course would benefit from the symbiotic relationship between REACH’s high
school courses in writing, literature and history since all three focus on the
ancient time period.Lab fee: $5 Credit: 1 History or Social studies Credit

Ancient Literature~ Christine FilipekOur focus for this year will be on ancient literature, starting from ancient times and continuing into the early Middle Ages. We will spend time reading through several pieces of classic literature including poems, essays, plays and novels. Although not required, students taking this course will benefit from the symbiotic relationship between REACH's high school courses in writing, literature and history since all three focus on the ancient time period. This literature course will include both reading and writing assignments.Lab fee: $5Credit: 1 English credit when combined with writing and grammar instruction

Latin~ (6th-12th grade)~ Christine FilipekWhy study Latin? It allows your student to understand and master grammar and the English language through a different perspective. Studying a foreign language also encourages and requires mental discipline. The study of Latin combines elements from history and grammar, helping your child get a better grasp of the mechanics of the English language. This class is designed for students with little or no previous experience with Latin. In our first lesson, students will be reading and translating Latin sentences.Lab fee:$5Credit: 1 foreign language Grammar~(6th-12th grade)~ Christine FilipekAn understanding of grammar leads to better and more fluid writing and greater ease with the English language, as well as the ability to use punctuation properly. All of these give a definite advantage in the working world and make higher education more successful. Weekly homework and take-home tests will help ensure that students are comprehending and practicing their new knowledge. This class will focus on all aspects of grammar using Easy Grammar Plus and Easy Grammar Ultimate Series (EGUS) Daily Lessons. Easy Grammar Plus is written in a simple reading level to focus on the concepts, while the EGUS Daily lessons will have a short daily review to build on the concepts being taught. This course will solidify concepts for those who are struggling with grammar; the Easy Grammar Ultimate Series is designed to introduce students the concepts (no matter what previous grammar experience they have had) and to teach concepts throughout.Lab fee:$5Credit: 1 English credit when combined with literature and writing

REACH Middle School Class descriptions (generally grades 6-8)*For all Middle school and High school science classes, see bottom of the page for more information.Exploring Creation with Physical Science ~ (2nd edition-upper middle school/high school)~ Eva SalisburyThis Apologia homeschool middle school curriculum explores our physical world. Topics such as the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, weather, the structure of the earth, environmentalism, the physics of motion, Newton’s laws, gravity and astrophysics will be introduced in this course. See apologia.com for more details of this exciting course of study.Prerequisite: must have taken 7th grade math.Lab fee: $15Credit: 1 Science CreditMiddle School Writing ~ Ancient History-based Writing Lessons ~ Jamie AndersonIn this yearlong course students will write about six major ancient civilizations—Sumer, Egypt, Israel, Babylon, Greece, and Rome—while working progressively through the nine IEW units and a variety of stylistic techniques. The Student Book includes assignments, blank outlines, source texts, checklists, vocabulary cards and quizzes, and grammar practice.Lab fee: $5MS Ancient History~(5th-8th grade)~ Lora Marks The Mysteries of History Volume I - (2nd edition) textbook will be used. Have you ever wondered what events in world history were happening at the time of Bible events? The lessons in this textbook cover the history of both from the time of creation to the time of Christ's resurrection, answering questions like, “What famous Bible character lived when the Trojan horse was built?” Activities include constructing a time line, age appropriate “closer look” activities, and mapping assignments. The mapping assignments offer excellent visuals of what was happening historically and where those same places are today. I personally did not enjoy history growing up; however, this curriculum makes history come alive, and I love teaching it!Lab Fee: $10Grammar~(6th-12th grade)~ Christine FilipekThis class will focus on all aspects of grammar using Easy Grammar Plus and Easy Grammar Ultimate Series (EGUS) Daily Lessons. Easy Grammar Plus is written using a simple reading level to focus on the concepts, while the EGUS Daily lessons will have a short daily review to build on the concepts being taught. This course will solidify concepts for those who are struggling with grammar; the Easy Grammar Ultimate Series is designed to introduce students the concepts (no matter what previous grammar experience they have had) and to teach concepts throughout.Lab fee:$5

Latin~
(6th-12th grade)~ Christine FilipekWhy study Latin? It allows your student to understand
and master grammar and the English language through a different perspective.
Studying a foreign language also encourages and requires mental discipline. The
study of Latin combines elements from history and grammar, helping your child
get a better grasp of the mechanics of the English language. This class is
designed for students with little or no previous experience with Latin. In our
first lesson, students will be reading and translating Latin sentences.Lab
fee:$5Credit:
1 foreign language Speech Boot Camp ~(6th-12th grade)~ Jamie AndersonThis is a 14-week fall semester class. Mrs. Jamie Anderson will lead students through the Institute for Excellence in Writing’s “Speech Boot Camp” DVD course. Students will develop and deliver four speeches in class throughout the semester, including; self-introduction, narrative speech, descriptive speech, persuasive speech. The class will cover speech outlining, delivery skills and speech critiquing. A special emphasis of the class will focus on persuasion and an effective persuasive speech model. The class is suitable for students in grades 6-12 and can be an introduction to speech for students with NO public speaking experience or a good refresher for those with existing knowledge or experience. Homeschool students may not get the chance to speak in front of groups as often as their schooled peers; this is a perfect opportunity to get this invaluable experience in a God-honoring, supportive manner. Lab fee: $20Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics ~ (upper elementary/lower middle school)~ Eva SalisburyThis Apologia homeschool elementary science curriculum explores the works of chemistry and physics with a wonderful hands on approach. Jeannie Fulbright presents in a scientifically sound and God honoring way. The study introduces atoms, molecules, simple chemicals, laws of motion, electricity, magnetism, and simple machines. See apologia.com for more details of this exciting course of study.Lab fee: $15

Art~ Mary Tomell For the first 1/2 of semester 1: drawing, including pencil, charcoal, pastels, and ink; second 1/2 of semester 1: watercolor. For the first 1/2 of semester 2: mixed media, such as collage and mosaic; second 1/2 of semester 2: printmaking.Lab fee: $10

REACH Elementary Class descriptions (generally grades 1-5)Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics ~ (upper elementary/lower middle school)~ Eva SalisburyThis Apologia homeschool elementary science curriculum explores the works of chemistry and physics with a wonderful hands on approach. Jeannie Fulbright presents in a scientifically sound and God honoring way. The study introduces atoms, molecules, simple chemicals, laws of motion, electricity, magnetism, and simple machines. See apologia.com for more details of this exciting course of study.Lab fee: $15Elementary Science~ April May DrewsWe will spend the year looking at three aspects of God’s amazing creation. We will look at plants, the environment (including the weather), and our bodies. We will do a variety of experiments and activities to help everyone enjoy and grasp what they are learning.Lab fee: $10Intro to Writing Workshop ~ (3rd-5th grade)~ Lora MarksThis workshop will have a dual focus. Structure and style will be learned at a beginning level as the students practice writing skills by using concepts introduced in the IEW- level A seminar and workbook. For part two, various types of children's literature will be used as a means to explore creative writing further - putting ideas down on paper in a variety of ways. Each student will compile a keepsake notebook with a collection of these concepts and their writings. To be in this class, students must be able to read short stories, write complete sentences, use basic punctuation, and write a 3-5-sentence paragraph. It is my goal to have the students fall in love with children's literature and writing by the end of this class. Lab fee: $10Michigan's Story~ (3rd-5th grade)~ Lora MarksIn this class, students will take an in-depth look at Michigan's history. A variety of resources will be used to introduce interesting facts about our beautiful state of Michigan while students put together their own personal state notebook. Other hands-on activities will include making salt maps, dioramas and cook 'n share recipes with MI produce, and much more. We will take a field trip to tour our state Capitol and the Historical Center in Lansing for an excellent visual of historical artifacts.Lab fee: $10

Elementary Spanish I ~ Patti Schoonover An introduction to Spanish language learning. Songs, skits and games will make learning things such as counting, colors and short phrases seem effortless in a fun setting! The class is geared toward elementary age, but middle school students are welcome in this introductory oral language-focused class.Lab fee: $10MS Ancient History~(5th-8th grade)~ Kathi Sawyer The Mysteries of History Volume I - (2nd edition) textbook will be used. Have you ever wondered what events in world history were happening at the time of Bible events? The lessons in this textbook cover the history of both from the time of creation to the time of Christ's resurrection, answering questions like, “What famous Bible character lived when the Trojan horse was built?” Activities include constructing a time line, age appropriate “closer look” activities, and mapping assignments. The mapping assignments offer excellent visuals of what was happening historically and where those same places are today. I personally did not enjoy history growing up; however, this curriculum makes history come alive, and I love teaching it!Lab Fee: $10Art~ Mary Tomell For the first 1/2 of semester 1: drawing, including pencil, charcoal, pastels, and ink; second 1/2 of semester 1: watercolor. For the first 1/2 of semester 2: mixed media, such as collage and mosaic; second 1/2 of semester 2: printmaking.Lab fee: $10

﻿So that parents and students can plan accordingly, these Apologia science classes will be taught in REACH on a rotating basis. (See also the section from the Apologia website at the bottom of this page ... for course sequencing.)REACH TUTORIAL HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE COURSE ROTATION SCHEDULE2014~2015: Chemistry2015~2016: Biology We will rotate these two high school science classes on a two-year rotation, adding an upper level high school science class each year.

REACH TUTORIAL JUNIOR HIGH SCIENCE COURSE ROTATION SCHEDULE2014-2015: Physical Science2015~2016: General ScienceWe will rotate these two junior high sciences on a two year rotation.

REACH TUTORIAL UPPER ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE ROTATION SCHEDULE2014~2015: Chemistry and Physics2015~2016: Zoology 1 and 22016~2017: Zoology 3 and Human Anatomy2017~2018: Astronomy and BotanyWe will rotate these on a three year schedule, with lots of hands-on learning opportunities.

From the Apologia website: Knowing which science courses to offer your student at the secondary level and when to offer them can seem difficult. In reality, course sequencing for junior high and high school isn't that hard when you know one important fact: A student's mathematics level is the key factor for his or her success or failure in the high school sciences. If you make sure that your child is well prepared mathematically for the science course he or she will take, you will have gone a long way toward assuring your student's academic success. Here is Apologia's recommended timeline for science courses: not science-oriented science-oriented7th grade General Science General Science

"Your student's math level should drive this time line, especially if the student is science-oriented. When the student begins Algebra I, that's when Biology begins. Even if your student is not science-oriented, he or she will benefit from exposure to Biology, Chemistry, AND Physics. You never know when a lifelong interest may be sparked!"

PLEASE NOTE: Because of the differences between the first and second editions, students in a group setting cannot use both. They must all have the same edition.